Handyman Alpharetta GA: 7 Common Deck Repairs

Tammy Bridges • April 9, 2024

Handyman Alpharetta GA: 7 Common Deck Repairs


1. Deteriorated Hanger Hardware


A drooping deck poses a safety hazard. If you detect weak spots or a mushy sensation beneath your feet, inspect the underside of the deck for corroded joist hangers (hardware used to link structural joists to the deck’s beams).


This is a repair that demands immediate attention.
Contact us promptly if you require assistance.


2. Faded Appearance


Wood inevitably loses its hue due to exposure to weather, usage, natural aging, and debris such as stray autumn leaves. Revive some of the original color using a wood cleaner and brightener.


Alternatively, you can apply paint or stain in your preferred shade.


Regardless of your choice, reseal the deck to prevent water damage and other issues.


Handyman Alpharetta GA


3. Pest Invasions


While you cherish your deck, termites, carpenter ants, and woodpeckers have a penchant for damaging it.


Woodpecker damage is recognizable by numerous small holes in the wood and wood chips on the ground beneath. Identifying insect damage can be trickier before it becomes severe.


Look for wood debris near the deck posts or an abundance of insects on and around the
deck.


4. Unstable Railings


Even if your deck and railing posts are firmly anchored, railings can still become loose due to various reasons.


Water infiltration at the railing ends where they meet the posts can lead to rot in untreated lumber.


5. Protruding Nails


Noticing nails sticking out of your deck may cause concern, especially in older structures where nails were used for fastening.


Nowadays, carpenters utilize anti-corrosion screws. To remedy this issue, you have a couple of options:

  • Hammer the nails back in.
  • Remove the nails and replace them with deck screws, preferably longer ones, to secure them into new wood for better stability.
  • Wood Decay


Handyman Alpharetta GA


6. Wood rot


Wood rot is a prevalent issue with wooden decks, often occurring around corners, railings, and stairs—areas that are challenging to seal effectively.


Over time, many wooden decks suffer water damage due to excessive moisture accumulation, which can weaken the deck’s boards and posts.


Water damage can lead to several other deck problems, such as warped boards, splitting boards, and mold growth.


7. Warped Boards


Warped deck boards may indicate uneven water penetration and drying after rain. Often, you can straighten warped boards and replace the fasteners, or flip cupped boards so that the undamaged side faces upward.


For severe warping, replacing the affected boards may be necessary. In any case, sealing your deck post-repairs will minimize future warping.


Handyman Alpharetta GA

Need a Handyman in Alpharetta GA?


Give us a call! We also provide handyman services for the Lilburn, Suwanne, Buford, Lawrenceville, Duluth, Norcross, Stone Mountain, Gwinnett County, Cumming, Roswell, Johns Creek, Dunwoody, Sandy Springs, Buckhead, Midtown, and Brookhaven

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